Pharmacological considerations for conscious sedation: clinical applications of receptor function

Most drugs used in conscious sedation regimens act by reasonably well-defined receptor mechanisms. The variety of clinical effects produced by these agents is generally extensive, and often can be explained by their activity at more than one receptor type. Rote memorization of drug effects is a futile exercise, especially when one considers the number of new agents introduced each year. An appreciation of receptors and their effects is a more logical approach. This article reviews fundamental concepts of receptor dynamics that are applicable to agents used for conscious sedation. Using this approach, the effects and indications for various agents can be predicted based on their activity at specific receptor sites.